Mothers' Milk Bank California has announced the launch of an Online Milk Drive for National Prematurity Awareness Month this November to support premature and medically fragile infants. The initiative comes at a crucial time, with over 380,000 babies born prematurely in the United States each year, highlighting the pressing need for donated human milk. The Online Milk Drive, scheduled to run from November 1 to November 30, 2024, aims to increase the number of breast milk donors while educating the public about the vital role donor milk plays in saving the lives of vulnerable infants.
Participants can contribute either online or in person at any of the organization's 10 collection centers across California and Nevada. Donor breast milk is a critical resource for premature and sick infants who are unable to receive their mother's milk. It provides essential nutrients and immune support, significantly reducing the risk of serious infections such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and improving overall health outcomes for these vulnerable newborns. The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. With the increasing number of premature births, ensuring a steady supply of donor milk can mean the difference between life and death for many infants.
The drive offers multiple ways for individuals to contribute, including becoming milk donors, spreading awareness through social media, and making financial contributions to support the processing and distribution of donor milk. Mothers' Milk Bank California, a nonprofit organization with a 50-year history, has been at the forefront of providing screened, donated human milk to babies in need. As a founding member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), it has played a crucial role in setting standards for nonprofit milk banks across North America.
The organization's commitment to improving lives extends beyond just collecting and distributing milk. By pasteurizing and ensuring the safety of human milk, Mothers' Milk Bank California supports families and advances neonatal care, contributing significantly to the health and well-being of premature and medically fragile infants. This Online Milk Drive represents a critical step in addressing the ongoing need for donor milk in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). By raising awareness and encouraging more mothers to become donors, the initiative has the potential to impact thousands of vulnerable infants across the country.
Breastfeeding mothers interested in participating can sign up to become milk donors through an easy online application or drop off their milk at any of the 10 collection centers. Community members are encouraged to support the campaign by sharing information about the drive on social media and encouraging prospective milk donors to join. The success of this initiative could have far-reaching implications for neonatal care across the United States. By ensuring a steady supply of donor milk, Mothers' Milk Bank California is not only saving lives in the short term but also potentially improving long-term health outcomes for premature and medically fragile infants.
